Service Transmission
Gear Case Oil
Use the following oil viscosity based on the air temperature range. Operating outside of the recommended oil air temperature range may cause premature gear case failure.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! ONLY use a quality oil in this gear case. DO NOT mix any other oils in this gear case. DO NOT use BIO-HY-GARD® in this gear case. |
The following John Deere gear case oil is preferred:
GL-5 GEAR LUBRICANT®-SAE 80W-90
Other gear case oils may be used if recommended John Deere gear case oil is not available, provided they meet the following specification:
API Service Classification GL-5.
Checking Front Axle Oil Level
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Allow oil one hour to settle before checking level to ensure accurate dipstick reading. Repeat oil level check after several hours of operation. |
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.) Allow machine to cool down for at least one hour.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Dirt and debris in oil may cause damage to the transaxle. Clean area around opening before removing dipstick. |
2. Loosen and remove dipstick (A) located on right side of front axle.
3. Wipe dipstick clean with a rag. Install and tighten dipstick.
4. Remove dipstick. Oil level should be between high and low levels on dipstick. If oil level is low:
a. Add GL-5 Gear Lubricant®-SAE 80W-90 or equivalent through dipstick fill opening until oil level is correct.
b. Install and tighten dipstick.
5. Check front axle oil level again after the first several hours of operation.
Changing Front Axle Oil
1. Operate machine to warm front axle oil.
2. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
3. Position drain pan under differential drain plug (A).
NOTE: For draining purposes, front axle contains approximately 3.4 L (3.6 qt) of oil.
4. Remove differential drain plug and allow oil to drain.
5. Position drain pan under axle drain plug (B) on both sides of front axle.
6. Remove axle drain plugs and allow oil drain.
7. Install and tighten drain plugs (A) and (B) after all oil has drained.
8. Remove dipstick located on right side of front axle.
9. Add approximately 3.4 L (3.6 qt) GL-5 Gear Lubricant®-SAE 80W-90 or equivalent through dipstick fill opening until oil level is correct.
10. Install and tighten dipstick.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Allow oil one hour to settle before checking level to ensure accurate dipstick reading. Repeat oil level check after several hours of operation. |
11. Check front axle oil level.
Transmission and Hydraulic Oil
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Use recommended oil only. Do not use engine oil or "Type F" automatic transmission fluid. |
Use oil viscosity based on the expected air temperature range during the period between oil changes.
John Deere Low Viscosity HY-GARD® Transmission/Hydraulic Oil is recommended. Standard John Deere HY-GARD® Transmission/Hydraulic Oil may also be used.
Other oils may be used if they meet John Deere standard JDM J20D or J20C.
Checking Transmission Oil Level
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.) Allow machine to cool down for at least one hour.
3. Check oil level on dipstick; oil level should be between high and low levels on dipstick.
Add John Deere Low Viscosity HY-GARD® (JDM J20D) or equivalent through fill opening until oil level is correct.
5. Install and tighten dipstick.
Changing Transmission Oil and Filter
c CAUTION: Avoid injury!
Use caution when filling and draining hydraulic oil. During periods of machine operation the hydraulic oil can get hot. Allow engine and oil to cool before servicing. |
1. Run engine a few minutes to warm the transmission oil.
2. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
NOTE: For draining purposes, the transmission contains approximately 10.0 L (2.6 gal) of oil.
3. Position drain pan(s) under transmission drain plug (A) and final drive drain plugs (B). Remove plugs and allow oil to drain completely.
4. Position a drain pan under the transmission oil strainer cover (C).
5. Remove four bolts (D), cover (C) and spring (E). Allow any residual oil to drain.
6. Remove filter (F) from transmission housing.
7. Remove magnets (G) inside filter.
8. Clean magnets, cover and spring with a mild solvent. Allow to dry.
9. Inspect O-ring (H) for damage or cracking. Replace if necessary.
10. Install magnets inside replacement filter.
11. Install replacement filter into transmission housing.
12. Install cover (C) with O-ring (H) and spring (E) onto transmission housing with bolts (D).
13. Install and tighten all drain plugs.
14. Remove fill cap/dipstick (I).
15. Add approximately 10 L (2.6 gal) of preferred transmission oil or equivalent into fill opening until oil level is between the high and low levels on the dipstick.
16. Install fill cap/dipstick.